FRUSTRATED: Many have not seen the results they had expected or hoped for in the last year.
TIRED: Some have gone too hard for too long and neglected themselves and/or their families.
BURNED OUT: Others have abandoned the necessity to maintain the flame in their personal walk with Jesus Christ.
LOST: Many feel like they are going through the motions of life and ministry with no purpose or true direction.Maybe you are one of these or all four. So what do you do now?
Often we fail to recognize our own symptoms and end up living in these conditions. The Bible is very clear about putting action to our faith. We can't expect things to get better until we do something about them.
Frustrated?
Frustration can come from having the other three symptoms, but it is a typical result when a desired goal is not seen or accomplished. Frustration is usually the result of looking at the negative instead of the positive.
Change your outlook and perspective. Be thankful for what you do have and for what has been accomplished. If you are a true visionary, your daily results will never match your hopes and dreams. However, the vision can only become a reality when we walk it out one step at a time.
In the summer of 1980, I had a very real vision of some events that would take place. Twenty-three years later, I still have not seen some of those things happen. Frustrated? No way, I'm 8,395 days closer to it than I was when I began!
Tired?
The biggest thing you need to learn how to say is, "No!" If we're tired it is because we have said "yes" to everyone else except ourselves and our families. When we think we have to do it, we are simply feeding our superman ego that we are the only ones who can do it right—therefore we "have to."
On your days off put your cell phone in the garage, unplug your phone, and do something fun. I promise, the office can make it while you take your day off and use your vacation days!
Burned Out?
When God seems far away, ask yourself, "Who moved?" Burnout often occurs when your personal relationship with Jesus Christ is lacking. We have to stay near the fire to maintain the flame when the storms of life blow.
Lost?
Let's not work just to be doing something. Pursue purpose, direction, and God's plan for your life and career. Stop wandering aimlessly through life.
If you never have a target, how will you ever know when you hit it? The best advice I ever received was this, "When it seems like you are lost in a fog and can't find your way, go back to the last place you heard God speak." Jonah got his life back on track when he did just that!
You are a priceless gift to the body of Christ, your church, and your family. Don't give up, don't quit. Countless lives are depending on you to fulfill your calling and destiny!
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
